Alabama is blessed to be one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the nation, perhaps the world. Flora and fauna abound on the state’s landscape, due mainly to the fact that Alabama presently has an abundant supply of clean water. For all practical purposes, the state has been divided into eleven major river basins which, if protected, will supply its residents with the water needed.

However, there are many forms of non-point and point source pollution that can – and will – diminish the supply of fresh water. Therefore, clean water and water conservation should be a concern of every citizen of the state.

The fact that Alabama has approximately 23 million acres of forest land helps to ensure the waters of the state stay in usable form. Healthy forest land provides many functions in water quality protection – from acting as filtration of urban storm water run-off, to water retention and the hydrological functions of forested wetlands – clean water is dependant on forests.

It is imperative we realize that our everyday activities affect water quality in some manner.